JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat June 27, 2025

Notre Dame Football Live Chat June 27, 2025

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Eric Hansen

3:03

OK, that's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. Thanks for making this chat something my new bosses want to keep around. And remember starting Tuesday to find us at blueandgold.com. Not sure exactly when the next chat will be. I would think we'll do at least one in July, then get into weakly mode starting in August. Keep an eye on my social media for more details in the coming days and weeks.

3:01

Hi Steven. Given the depth of reporting, there aren't a lot of unknowns, but let me try to answer to the spirit -- and not the letter -- of your question. I'm going to exclude June-arriving freshmen, though there are some intriguing ones there. On offense, I think a surprise could be Arkansas TE Ty Washington. On defense, I'll go with two -- DE Loghan Thomas if he can put on some good weight and Karson Hobbs at corner/nickel whether or not he puts on weight. Special teams I'll go with Loghan Thomas as well.

Steven nettrouer

2:55

Who is the biggest surprise so on the team as player development on offense defense and special teams I'm looking for the guys we dnt kno bout yet.

Eric Hansen

2:55

Hi Mark. I know we all have to make choices of what we put into our budget and what we have to leave out, so no hard feelings. I do hope there's room for us, because I think it will be worth the money. And remember there are gift subscriptions, so you can maybe butter someone up you know to get you one. As far as the chat specifically, I'm not sure. I know a lot of my stuff will be behind the paywall, just not sure about the chat yet, but I will be sure to share it as soon as I do ... which should be before we get into training camp at the end of July. Thanks for being part of the chats and thanks for considering us if you do decide to join our community.

Mark from Shipshewana IN

2:52

1st time long time. With your move to on3 is your chat moving behind a paywall? I rarely look at B&G Illustrated since virtually everything is behind a paywall. Thx for interesting thoughts over the years. I will miss them if they go behind a paywall.

Eric Hansen

Wow was that a contorted answer. I hope you all don't think I'm taking advantage of the rescinded "no drinking" rule.

2:51

Matt, I'm not sure what age group you're in, but I'm going to assume you know what it sounds like when someone takes the needle on a turntable (don't say what's a turntable?) and drags it across the vinyl record. That's what happened when you mentioned Jeremiyah Love coming back for his senior year. We're just not living in that kind of world. And really the world we're in makes it much more difficult to project out more than a year because of all the player and coaching movement. Now that I've ruined the sweet song you were listening to. I'm going to un-ruin it. The word culture is way overused by guys like me (and gals too). But at Notre Dame, it's not. And what Marcus Freeman has done with ND's gives rise to the possibility, maybe even probability of a lot of the other projections you threw out there. So, bottom line, if you believe ND will be knocking on destiny's door at a national championship site in the next few years, you're not a fool to believe that.

Matthew J

2:42

Do you think the 2026-2027 Notre Dame team could be the most talented in recent years? CJ Carr will enter his second year after a tough 2025 schedule (Texas A&M, USC, Miami, Boise State, Arkansas, and Syracuse). Chris Ash will also be in his second year, and Marcus Freeman’s highly rated 2026 class — featuring 5-stars Joey O’Brien and Rodney Dunham — will be on campus. If Jeremiah Love returns, he could be a Heisman contender, and Jaylen Sneed might step up as a fifth-year leader. Continuity with coaches like Mike Mickens and Al Washington could be a major advantage. Thanks Matt Austin Texas

Eric Hansen

2:41

I'll have to ask Cam his motivation, but giving up No, 17 allowed Elijah Burress to switch from 16 to 17, which was one of the two number father Plaxico wore in the NFL (17 and 80). With the exception of Eli Raridon (9), I think every other player on that list started their college careers with a different number. And looking back, generally those are players who play a more prominent role but not universally. Cam would take that, though. I'm sure.

2:33

First of all, here is a list of the players who will wear single digits numbers in 2025, which some notable changes from the spring, including the one you alluded to:

Jeremy From Goshen, IN

2:26

In the past, play who are awarded single digit numbers are often big contributors that season and have earned those single digit numbers. Should we be getting excited that Cam Williams was moved to a single digit number? Also, can we get an update on the QB competition? if you had to take 100 grand to the casino and bet on the QB's. who would you put the money on?

Eric Hansen

2:26

Thanks Ryan! I think ND made a really impressive sweep of six commitments since June 18 for the 2026 class and its first 2027 commit LS Sean Kraft in that span. The two who intrigue me the most are S Joe O'Brien, who at 6-5 could play some situational WR, and CB Khary Adams. But I like them all. Very impressive.

Ryan Frankfort Illinois

Eric also forgot i like the commit means of Obrein and Adam’s GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈

2:22

Good afternoon Eric Congrats on the move to Blue and gold and one 3 what do you think about the Recuits we got recently i like both tight ends that just committed and the long snapper i think next weekwe get Fitzgerald and Robinson and Finley GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

2:22

Hi Tom. Great to have you and your questions, now matter what your arrival time. Yes, there will be a lot of player movement still this summer and then through their senior seasons. Several ND prospect competed in the Rivals Five-Star event. Of that group, it seems that S Joey O'Brien, OT Tyler Merrill and RB Javian Osborne helped themselves and should get a bump. ... I'll give you four more to watch who I think will be eventually ranked higher than are already in the Rivals250 (soon to be Rivals300) ... DE Rodney Dunham, TE Ian Premer, RB Jonaz Walton and especially CB Khary Adams. And among the players outside of the 250, it seems to me S Ayden Pouncey would be a strong candidate to finish in the 250 (or 300 as it will be).

Tom F, Kennesaw, GA

2:08

Hey Eric, congratulations on your new home. What a great recruiting run for the Irish. Lots of potential. It still seems that many of these ratings are a little early on all the recruits because I feel what they do in their Senior year in HS will tell us more about what their potential is at the college level. Do you agree? Also, isn't there a lot of shifting in positional rankings as players go thru their Senior year? thanks for another chat. Sorry I am late to the Party.

Eric Hansen

2:08

Hi Michael. I've know Dave for decades, and it continues to be a privilege, even as he transitions out of ND into his new role with sports management firm Athletes First. I plan to do a catch-up piece with Dave here soon, likely once we get under the new On3 umbrella, but I need to coordinate that with my new teammates. Thanks for asking.

Michael - San Antonio

2:04

What are your thoughts on Dave Peloquin leaving the Irish football team? I'm not sure what his role was, but obviously when someone leaves the Program, we immediately start speculating on a replacement.

Eric Hansen

2:03

Hi Franz and thanks for the early lead=in to the Marie question ... now's your time in the spotlight. ... I would tend to agree with your premise, especially when you consider all the opt-outs in bowl games. Playing a series of meaningful games not only put ND front and center, it showed the Irish could do what people have been saying they'd never again do in this day and age -- legitimately compete for a national title. Now recruits don't have to imagine how ND could knock off the SEC champ by double digits. They saw it with their own eyes.

franz from Niles MI

2:00

I think the format of the playoffs really helped ND recruiting as much as an appearance in the title game. Unlike a bowl or the old playoffs you just didn't get the exposure on a team that you maybe casually familiar with. The current system is more like march madness and the several games really let the world see the grit and cohesiveness that ND had.The prolonged media exposure also let the charisma of the head coach and players like Riley Leonard shine through. I think the playoff system really made the "culture" brewing at ND look obvious to even the casual fan, and that is a huge selling point for recruiting. Rich Eisen, U of M grad and admitted ND hater begrudgingly stated "I hate to say it but I kinda like Notre Dame". I don't think that happens with one or two game playoff. What are your thoughts?

Eric Hansen

2:00

Kevin! The chats love you back! Let me get to the gist of your questions, which is ,,, what are reasonable expectations for this season. And even factoring the inexperience at QB and the difficult early season schedule when that inexperience is most vulnerable, I think it's reasonable to expect this to be a College Football Playoff team in the 12-team version this December/January. Now how deep this team goes is still too much of a projection that needs August training camp at least for some better context. I can tell you what August needs to look like and where the September fault lines to survive are. And even with ND's great depth, staying healthy still matters.

Kevin from Calgary

1:51

Eric! Love the chats, even when I don't have time, or the brain power, to come up with a question worthy of your expertise. It seems almost every article I see these days is bullish on the Irish for this season, extolling the strengths of just about every position group. With a premier offensive line and one of the best, if not THE best, running back rooms in the country, not to mention expected improvements at receiver, should fans not feel CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey, will be insulated enough that the few growing pains they'll experience not cost us any games? Is it time to order the champagne to put on ice to celebrate a natty, or is the schedule just too tough not to expect a 10-2 season and maybe even being shut out of the playoffs?

Eric Hansen

1:50

Hi Mike. I am glad to have AC but I never complain about the summer. NEVER. Love it. Notre Dame did a great job with Golden on his visit last weekend. Enough to make them a leader? Not sure. But certainly enough to make them a legit contender.

Mike Walled Lake

1:49

Hi Eric, Hopefully, you are having a nice summer. What are the chances Notre Dame lands Elijah Golden?

Eric Hansen

1:49

Scott!!!!! Sorry? For exclamation points? Don't be sorry. Exclamation points are the currency of this chat (but not crypto). So include them at your heart's content. ... I gave some class comparison numbers earlier. Now while this class already has more Rivals250 prospects than 2013, that class was heavy in five-stars. There were four of them. But beyond Jaylon Smith, there was little or no impact from the other three -- Greg Bryant, Eddie Vanderdoes and Max Redfield. Vinny Cerrato is no tin the background, but new GM Mike Martin and his staff ... along with the ND coaches ... are making their mark in this very different era of recruiting. Thank you for the congrats and compliments. I'm VERY excited about collaborating with and learning from and having fun with my old teammate and my new ones.

Scott, Simpsonville SC

1:40

Eric!!!! Sorry, I can't help it with the exclamation points! Recruiting has been exciting with the success since the spring game! Great picups of defensive backs and now a TE in Premer. I'm hoping for a great July 4th weekend with receivers. Eric, if we can grab all three, get the stuff defensive tackle, and then keep everyone to signing, I have to think this is NDs best class since Holtz. No disrespect to the 2013 class, but this is loaded with depth and strong need positions. Is Vinny Cerato helping in the background? I just had shoulder replacement surgery a couple months ago and this is taking a lot of pain away! We'll, that and since the no drinking sign is off... My best wishes to you my friend and congratulations on the new collaboration! I hope it only makes you, Tyler and the team of journalists more robust. No, not from pasta. Take care from hot and steamy South Carolina.

Eric Hansen

1:40

Kevin!!!!!!!!!!! It is a happy Friday. I recently provided a well-sourced inside look at summer workouts for our subscribers, and I can share s couple of nuggets from that report. Since you asked about Malachi Fields, the transfer wide receiver from Virginia ... very impressive skill set. Tall, strong, fast, savvy. It's a Michael Floyd skill set, but can he be Michael Floyd good? That storyline will start o unfold in August. And freshman OT Will Black looks every big a five-star prospect in person than he was in theory in the rankings.

Kevin-Sleepy Eye, Mn

1:29

Eric!!!!!! Happy Friday:) What can you tell us about how the summer is going? How Fields looking? How's leadership developing etc.....

Eric Hansen

1:29

Hi Ced, Notre Dame has commitments at WR from Bubba Frazier and Dylan Faison, so I think they Irish will end up taking five, including all three who are making their decisions next week if they all want in the class. And that is the most likely scenario.

CED walker

1:27

CED walker Saginaw Michigan aka sag nasty Saginaw pride with 2 verbal at wr do you think Notre Dame will take 4 God bless this football team here comes the Irish Notre Dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

1:27

As to Adon Shuler's running mate at safety, that has to play out in August since Va Tech transfer Jalen Stroman wasn't able to compete in the spring. I still think he is the most likely option to emerge, but I am convinced the reps will be spread out with a much deeper rotation than last year, with Luke Talich and Tae Johnson heavy in the mix and maybe more than just those two. .. I think all five OL starters will be pushed, but I wouldn't predict any of them will get overtaken without an injury factoring in. I think Knapp will be the opening night starter at LT.

1:24

Hi Tony. Hopefully, the only complaint is that they have so many choices for content, they have to create more room in their schedules to take it all in. ... I don't know the coaching staff looks at is as CJ Carr having the edge. I think that's more of a media perception, but I do think that's reality and where reality will be when the team opens the season Aug. 31 in Miami. I am not counting out Kenny Minchey. He is a wild card with an intriguing skill set, but I think Carr is the better choice and I think the coaching staff will take the stance eventually. (more)

Tony, Lake Mary, FL

1:18

Hey Eric. Thanks for you guys continuing to pump out great coverage. I hope for both of your sakes the merger with Blue Gold and that staff will be for the best and you don't have to spend a bunch of time listening to your subscribers complaining. Is there a sense that the QB competition is Carr's to lose? The consensus on the beat is so, it seems. What's the sense on who Adon Shuler's running mate is going to be? Last one, sounds like Jagusah at guard brings the best option. Is there a sense that LT is Knapp's to lose or is Lambert pushing?

Eric Hansen

1:18

Hi Jack, and thank you for being a part of these chats and for being a subscriber. Let me put this out for you and others if there are any questions that aren't readily answers in the FAQs link I shared or within this chat: support@on3.com

Chat continue, Football Never Sleeps continue, Bob Morton comes with us, Marie from Atlanta comes with us. It's really pretty cool. ... From going through our FAQs, your subscription will carry over and autorenew. Because it's on the switchover date, I wanted to make sure you were covered in case there is a hiccup. Let me know how things go, please.

Jack, Strongsville,Ohio

1:12

Hi Eric. Congratulations on your move to B & G. A personal question. Will my subscription that is set to renew on July 1st for Inside Sports transfer over automatically to B & G. Secondly, will you continue these chats and FNS? Hope your summer is going great and thanks as always/

Eric Hansen

1:11

Hi Sean! And thank you. Ashton Craig is expected to be 100 percent this season and has looked good in ND's Football School as well as player-only workouts, per sources I've spoken with. Who could push the most and end up on the two-deeps? I would say the three most likely are tackles Guerby Lambert and Will Black and then Sullivan Absher and guard or center. There's a handful of other guys trying to work into those other two spots in that second tier.

Sean from Westwood

1:07

Hi Eric! Love the chats and grateful for your good work. Is Ashton Craig expected to be 100% by opening day and start at center? And which reserves will push most for playing time on the OL? Cheers, and enjoy the upcoming holiday week!

Eric Hansen

1:07

As far as Preston Fryzel, the first of the two tight ends ND got a commitment from this week, upside is the selling point. He's a three-star prospect at this juncture, but so were Tyler Eifert, Durham Smythe, Tommy Tremble and John Carlson ... all of whom play or played in the NFL. Here's a scouting report from Rivals national analyst Greg Smith:

"Fryzel is exactly the type of hybrid tight end that many teams are looking for right now. The Ohio native is a crafty route runner with the ability to get open. But what really stands out to me is his ability to control his body in the air to come down with contested catches.

"Because of his size and long speed he presents a real mismatch problem for opposing defenses. It’s easy to see a path to him making a lot of plays in South Bend for the Irish."

12:59

They have different sizes (6-4, 200 for Jarrard; 6-0, 195 for Houston) and different skill sets. It's kind of like asking me whether I'd like the ribeye or the NY strip, but I'll go with Jarrard because of how advanced and accurate he already is as a passer. YOU probably know better than me which one is more likely to end up at ND. I'll guess on that and say Jarrard, but it could be somebody else from that class. ... The reason for taking OL No. 6 Thom, I think, will fully reveal itself in time. For now, just an intriguing ascending prospect who can play tackle. I don't think it's because of fear or losing someone to the portal or to an NFL early entry. Not that those things couldn't happen,. What I'm saying is those possibilities (which always exist) didn't trigger this move. I'm not saying he's the next Will Black, but there's some similarities in their development arc. (more)

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